Instructor Class Description

Second-Year Japanese

Development of further skills in the spoken and written languages. Students must enroll in both a lecture and quiz section to receive credit. Second in a sequence of three. Prerequisite: JAPAN 211. Offered: W.

Class description

Japan 212 is the second of three quarters of Second-Year Japanese (Japan 211-212-213). The purpose of the course is to continue building a solid foundation in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding Japanese, with classroom and homework activities designed to help students achieve a practical command of the language. Reading and writing receive greater emphasis than in first-year Japanese. Approximately 90 kanji will be taught in Japan 212.

The course assumes that students have completed Japan 211 or equivalent. Students who havenŐt taken Japan 211 who would like to take Japan 212 should (1) take the placement test, and (2) consult with the instructor regarding appropriate placement.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Sections are designed to help you learn grammar and vocabulary through use of Japanese in communicative situations. Sections are conducted in Japanese only. You may ask questions about grammar, etc., in English before or after the section, during the lecture, during office hours, or by email directly to a TA or to the professor. Active participation in sections is expected. Pair/group activities during sections are most valuable when students participate in them using Japanese as much as possible.

Section and lecture attendance is mandatory. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to obtain missed assignments/notes from a classmate. Remember: lack of attendance or preparation on your part does not obligate your teachers to take up the slack.

Weekly lectures will introduce grammatical patterns, discuss common mistakes, explain socio-cultural aspects of Japanese, and answer your questions. Homework assignments may also be given, as well as announcements relevant to everyone in the course.

Recommended preparation

Students are expect to study (both preparation and review), a minimum of one hour per day for the course. Along with doing assigned homework, it is imperative that students review what was covered in class by going over activities done that day in the classroom, studying vocabulary, and practicing with classmates. Studying with a study partner is highly recommended.

Class assignments and grading

Homework is assigned daily, and may be announced/distributed in either sections or lecture sessions. Full credit is given for assignments completed fully and carefully by the beginning of the section period the day after it was assigned (unless otherwise announced). An answer key is available for each lesson, sold with the text materials. Check your own answers prior to turning in the homework. Homework will focus on reading, writing, and listening. Late homework is only accepted in case of unexpected emergency. No credit will be given for homework completed during class time.

The grade is calculated based upon: Homework, Attendance/Participation, Tests, Final Exam, Orals.

Homework: Homework is assigned daily, and may be announced/distributed in either sections or lecture sessions. Full credit is given for assignments completed fully and carefully by the beginning of the section period the day after it was assigned (unless otherwise announced).

Attendance: Because learning a language requires contact with that language, attendance is mandatory. Students present in class at the bell will be marked present. Students not present at that time will be marked tardy, and will receive half-credit for attendance for that day. Students must not only attend, but must also participate in a productive manner. This means using class time as a place where you practice Japanese.

Tests: Tests are given and cover the material taught during the week, including kanji, vocabulary, grammar, reading, writing, and listening. Other quizzes may also be given. The score of the lowest weekly test will be dropped when calculating your grade.

Final Exam: A comprehensive exam covering reading, writing, listening, and grammar will be given. The final is only offered on the date/time scheduled.

Orals: Three opportunities for oral performance are given in this course. Guidance will be given in advance so that students can prepare and practice for these oral exams.

Make-up Exams: There are no make-ups for weekly tests or the final. It is your responsibility to attend class daily, including days when quizzes are administered. The lowest Friday quiz grade is dropped to permit flexibility and to accommodate emergencies and illness. The only exception is for pre-arranged make-ups due to participation in official university business (documentation will be required), or for extended illness (documentation required), not for personal travel or social engagements.

The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Catherine Ruha
Date: 07/30/2001

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Modified:April 23, 2014